Armed men attacked communities in Sabon Birni Local Government Area of Sokoto State, abducting at least 37 people, killing a 10-year-old child and injuring several others.
The attackers, reportedly led by notorious bandit kingpin Bello Turji, first invaded Tarah community, where they engaged local vigilantes in a gun battle that lasted about an hour before abducting an undisclosed number of residents.
The assailants then moved to Takatsaba community, also in Sabon Birni LGA, where they abducted 37 people and killed a 10-year-old child during the attack.
Security analyst Bakatsine, who confirmed the incident on Thursday, said at least 10 of those abducted from Tarah managed to escape in the early hours of Thursday.
According to him, “SAD UPDATE: Last night, Bello Turji and his men attacked Tarah community in Sabon-Birni LGA of Sokoto State, where they spent about an hour clashing with vigilantes before abducting an unknown number of residents, including women and children. Community members say 10 people managed to escape early this morning.
“The bandits then moved to Takatsaba community, also in Sabon Birni LGA, where 37 people were abducted and a 10yrs old child was killed.
“Several others were injured, while fears that the road to General Hospital Sabon-Birni may have been rigged with explosives reportedly delayed the evacuation of the wounded.”
Authorities had yet to issue an official statement on the attacks as of the time of filing this report.